Is It Fall Yet?

(pics from 2 years ago)




This has been an unusual September for me. 90 degree days much of the time or if not 90, at least 80 degrees. When we had warm September days back in WA we would call it an Indian summer (but it was never this warm) .... don't know what to call it here! And yes, this is a bit of a whine on my part. I love fall. The colors, the cool crisp mornings and evenings with just a hint of warmth in the afternoon .... hear that! just a hint I tell ya! Not the full-bloomin summer heat, thank you very much.

So I watch the weatherman every night. Waiting ... watching ... and then last week he started talking about a cool down. Yippee!! But of course, its a cool down Idaho style. Today 90 degrees or so. Tomorrow 75 or there abouts with a chance of rain in the afternoon. So far so good. Next day .... 56! Say what??? And October 1st, 60 degrees. Say what? Say what? Where did all my luscious 68-72 degrees of fall splendor go?

If you didn't do the math, that's about a 35 degree drop in 48 hours! Sigh .... So what's a girl to do, but go with the flow. So I took all my flip flops and sandals and put them away for another year, I pulled out my winter shoes and boots. Tomorrow I'm pulling out my sweaters, scarves and jackets. And I am looking forward to wearing them. So fun to snuggle into the warmth of a great sweater.

And you never know, next week we may have a 70 degree day before the snows hit!

So how 'bout you? What's the weather like in your neck of the woods? Are the seasons changing where you are?

Til next time ....

A Little Slice of Heaven

In August, we took a quick trip back to WA state. One of the things we really wanted to do was visit some old friends which we happily were able to do. We drove out to Rick & Jan's place and had a wonderful afternoon of fellowship and picnicing in their backyard. Our friends Jim and Sue also joined us and a good time was had by all as only people who have known you for 20+ years can!

We caught up on recent events in each others lives and had the grand tour of the place. Around 3 acres, Rick and Jan have been busy making it a special retreat for all who get the privilige of enjoying it with them.

All those years ago, we would often go out to their place just to enjoy the fire in their firepit. Joe discovered the pit soon after we arrived and couldn't wait for Rick to light it up.




Elsewhere on the property, Rick has built a pond with a gurgling fountain. He built a greenhouse, which for some reason my pic I took seems to be missing! And they have planted wonderful plants to entice birds and butterflies to come visit.







My limited pics don't do their place justice, unfortunately.

Good memories of that day several weeks ago! It filled our emotional tanks to have time to visit with our friends. Can't wait to see them again ...

Til next time ....

Neglecting The Blog

Sigh .... I have been a terrible blogger. I have been neglecting my blog. I have been living in the real world instead! What a thought! I do have thoughts to share, and pictures too. Tho none have been uploaded from the camera since July! Summer was good to us, summer in Idaho is truly summer. The kind of summer I wished I had had as a child. Instead of those rainy, cold summers I remember from my youth.

But now I'm ready for FALL. Both boys are back in school. The hubster is studying hard and doing great. Whereas the #1 son is having issues, mainly not wanting to "work" but rather wanting to play. I asked him if he likes school, and he nodded his head "yes", so being at school isn't the problem. I know he likes the social interaction. Its more likely the expectation that he might have to learn something! Oh boy!

And me, I'm enjoying, but at the same time having a hard time adjusting to my new routine. I find myself being amazingly productive, and then having bouts of wandering around not knowing what to do with myself, or worse, wasting time on the computer! Yikes! But I know I'll find my groove, esp as the weather cools down and Fall becomes a reality here in Southern Idaho.

Til Next Time ....

School Time! Yip Yip Yippee!

Today the hubster went back to school! woohoo!!! yippee And next monday, the #1 son starts back. And that means I get my house back to myself! Can I hear an Amen, Sista???

I am so ready. Tho summer has been fun, and lots of memories have been made, its time to get back into the routine of life and that includes school for the male members of this house.

I am looking forward to doing some cleaning that got overlooked, some more decluttering and organizing, get back to my exercise routine i started last fall, and finding the rhythem of my life.

So in honor of this new school year excitement I just had to change out my blog background. I'm keeping my pic of #1 son for now, but that may change soon too.

So how bout you? What are you doing in honor of a new school year beginning?

Til next time ....

Did Me Some Yoga!

One of my goals for this past year has been to do yoga once a week. We've had our Y membership for a year now and I've known they offer yoga classes. but I never got up the courage to go to a class. Finally this week I sent out an email to my girlfriends and asked if anyone wanted to join me for the beginner's class. My friend Mandy wrote me back telling me she loves yoga and would love to join me.

So tonite, I entered the world of yoga! and it was great! It was challenging, and invigorating. I couldn't hold all the poses for as long as the instructor did, but I felt exilerated when I was able to even get into a pose.

It was a small class with just 4 of us and the instructor, so she was able to come over and help us with our posture and balance. Afterwards I felt like I had run a race, but was curiously relaxed at the same time.

Hubby encouraged me to go again! I think I'll take him up on that offer before he remembers that means watching our son for the evening =)

So how bout you? Have you tried anything new lately? Ever done yoga? Do you like to drag a friend with you when you try something new?

Back from Vacation or Boy, My Pants are Tight

We are back home, and I've almost caught up on my laundry. As you can see by the title we had lots of good times with good food to eat. Too much! So its back to healthy eating for me.

Pics are still in the camera waiting to be uploaded for your viewing pleasure--soon, I promise!

The hubster has all his classes set for this semester. He has bought all but one textbook. And classes start this coming monday. Unfortunately, 3 of his classes meet at night--yuk! But we'll deal with it.

Then a week later, the #1 son starts the 5th grade. Wow, where did the years go? We will be doing some school clothes shopping between now and then. Shoes are a must as his feet seem to be growing. Underwear and pants are also on the list. I found some great shirt buys at the thrift store while on vacation. Gotta love those bargains.

So how 'bout you? Are you gearing up for school? Or just looking forward to the fall season?

Vacation Time

We are heading out tomorrow morning for a couple weeks of vacation time. We will be visiting family, some old friends, and having some quality fam time. Most of our trip is planned, but we have a bit of an open agenda for a couple days.

Hopefully, I'll have some great pics to upload when we get back. And then we'll be talking about back to school. Til next time ...

A Day of My Own

Over a week ago, I planned and prepared my family for a day without me. I had my itinierary, my books, my journal, my Bible, my music, snacks, water and lipgloss. Can't go anywhere without my lipgloss, ya know.

I had decided to drive north to my fav spot by the river. While driving, I listened to a great sermon and had lots to think about. When I arrived it was already warming up, but there were spots left. Unfortunately there was a loud group of kids who were camping there, but I soon tuned them out.

I had a wonderful time of reading my Bible and praying. I took time to journal and plan. I had specifically wanted to spend some time thinking and praying over my priorities, my time and daily direction. Being a stay at home mom I wear alot of hats and juggling all the balls I have, I often find myself dropping one or two or all of them. By taking time to pray and ponder, I'm hopeful that I can tackle the needs of each day.

I'm hoping to take another day this fall, and encourage you to do the same. If its possible with your family obligations, it is a wonderful way to spend a little extra time with God.

Photos from Deception Pass, WA

I have some new photos from our trip to WA to share with you.






Joe at his favorite place: the shoreline.



Isn't this a great photo of this old shelter! I just love the old wood and stone shelter nestled in the trees.




Joe making his way to the shore with the Deception Pass bridge in the background.




Joe enjoying the sand of the west beach. We didnt' really dress for the beach, it was a really nice day there.



Til next time ...

Home Again

We got home from WA late last night. Always good to sleep in one's own bed.

My mother in law passed away July 2nd from a sudden heart attack. She was only 72. So sad to lose her so early. Tho she had some issues, no one expected to lose her like that. The funeral was precious and they did a slide show that was awesome.

So love on your special ones. None of us knows when its our time to go meet our Father in Heaven. Take advantage of the time you have here on earth to let those you love know that. And press in to the Lord when they are taken from you. He is the God of all comfort.

Til next time ....

Death in the Family

There's been a death in the family. We are leaving tomorrow morning to be with family. I dont' really have any words to say right now. Will update later. If you read this, please say a prayer for peace for all affected. Thank You!


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A Few Pics from This Summer

Here's a few photos from a few adventures we've had this summer. It's been fun to explore our new territory.


At the river ....



At Julia Davis park having a bar-b-q picnic ....




At Lake Cascade ....



Along another river ....

Happy Anniversary Babe

Twenty Five Years ago, I never would have imagined the journey our lives have taken. I'm so happy to have followed this path with you! To another 25 years ...

Looking at Rentals

When we moved to Boise last year, we told ourselves we would stay in the campus apts for the whole 2 years. That it just isn't worth it to move while Michael is in school. But with the economy taking a nosedive, and our budget always being squeezed, we have wondered if there might be a cheaper place to rent. Well, this weekend I did more than wonder ... I went on craigslist to see what was available. I found several potential rentals for $200/less a month! That's quite a savings. Joe and I gave Michael some alone time and did the drivebys yesterday afternoon. And today Michael and I are going to check out a couple more.

We have to really crunch the numbers to make sure we would actually save $$ cuz we get alot of freebies with this apt we're in now, but God may have a place for us. We'll see ... We're praying for wisdom, so if you would like to pray with us, we'd be so honored.

Til next time ...

Gas Prices Creeping Up

Have you noticed the price of gas lately? We used to be able to fill up our small tank with a $20 bill. But no more! Last week I put in $20 and it only went up 3/4 of the way----waaaaaaahhhh! No Fair!! And that was before the price crept up a couple more pennies over the weekend.

So how are the prices in your neck of the woods? Has it affected your driving habits? I know for us, we are not going for our fun weekend drives every weekend now. Have to spread them out over the month. We have been tossing around the idea of heading west to see family after Joe is out of summer school, but again, we'll have to wait and see where gas prices are at that time ...

Til next time ....
Happy Summer!

Help! My MP3 is Dead

One of the quirky things about my special needs son is that he LOVES to chew on hard plastic. The other night when he was in the living room watching cartoons, and I was on the computer. I went to check on him and make sure that all was well, and I found him chewing my MP3 player! Accck!

The next day I plugged it in and it charged up. I can put it on hold and it'll turn on, but there is no sound coming out and when I press the volume button nothing happens. Its been 3 days and still no change.

So, my faithful and treasured geeks ... um, I mean readers, is there anything I can do? Is it really dead? Its a sony brand, which I have liked. I had all my tunes on it and no longer have those tunes on my computer. What do you think?

And if I should have to buy a new one, which brand and model would you go with? I dont' need anything fancy, and a moderate to cheap price would be preferable. Let me know your thoughts

Til next time ....

Random Thoughts

I have been very remiss in keeping my blog up to date! Please forgive me.

First off, do you know about Pandora? I had assumed everyone was already up on that, but then I read a friend's blog and she had just learned of it. So in order to make sure everyone knows, go here. Its a great way to listen to music. And its free! (edited to add: oooops! forgot to add the link the first time!)

Today I dug out my sewing machine and mended some shorts of Joe's, hemmed his shorts that I had cut off, and hemmed up some of my pants that I cut off to capri length. Felt good to get back into the sewing realm. Of course, I have a shirt cut out that I want to stitch up, but that will have to wait for another day.

Did I mention I was getting some blood work done? I don't remember who I've told, and who I haven't. Anyway, I found out my blood sugar and cholesterol readings are too high, so I've been ordered to follow a diabetic diet. I've been reading up and figuring out how to eat and when to eat. Change is never easy, but I seem to be getting the hang of it. The hard part is finding good substitutes for my sweet tooth.

Joe spent his first week at summer school and seemed to really enjoy it! He comes home for an hour and then goes to his afternoon program. He has time to chill between school and his afternoon gig which I think helps alot.

Earlier this week, I found the latest copy of "The Voice of the Martyrs". Anyone else read this? I read the main article to Michael about the persecution in North Korea, and I couldn't complete it without getting choked up. The horrendous torture and persecution the christians endure, because they will not bow to the dictator, but instead worship "the God of heaven" (their term, isn't that a wonderful description?)

The director of VOM also has a wonderful opening letter about evil in this world. Well worth a read if you can get your hands on a copy of it.

On the summer front, the hubster is still at loose ends at home. This must be how wives of newly retired husbands feel. I feel like I keep tripping over him. But hopefully this will change, as he has a potential interview next week. We're just waiting to get a call from the boss who is out of town this week. Prayers would be appreciated.

Til next time ....

Have I Told You Lately ...

.... how much I love freecycle? Well, I love it alot!

This week, a member offered a king size comforter. I jumped at it. Our puppy daisy, remember her, had chewed her way thru our last comforter and when we moved I threw it out. I have priced king size sheets and comforters this past year, but they just aren't in our budget right now. Not only did the member allow me to come pick it up the next day----yipppeee!!! but it is a wonderful celery green/sage color with a beautiful lace overlay in the middle. And it is warm! It was so nice to snuggle under the comforter last night and feel all cozy and warm.

Over the last year I have recieved: cute shoes, pants, tops, fabric, toys for Joe, clothes for Joe, t-shirts for Mike, and lots of other stuff from freecycle. Members usually are just wanting to find someone else who can use what they no longer need. And they don't want to fill up the landfills anymore than we can help it.

I have also donated to others outgrown clothes of Joe's, stuff Mike and I no longer want or need, and toys. Its a win-win situation. So check online and see if there is a freecycle in your area.

Til next time ....

Does the Learning Stop When School is Out?

Ola! Como esta? Queremos visitar Brasil!

Did you understand that? Basically, I was trying to say: Hello, how are you? We want to visit Brazil.



The hubsters and I have been teaching ourselves brazilian portuguese. We haven't gotton very far, but we're having alot of fun with it. We got a book appropiately called "Portuguese in 10 Minutes a Day" Some of the pronunciations give us trouble, but we muddle thru it and laugh a lot.

Someday we'd like to visit Brazil or even live there for a short time and I figure if we learn the language we'll be that much farther ahead.

So what are your summer plans?

Why is May Such a Busy Month?

Busy, busy, busy! Not only here at Challenges & Adventures, but I notice it around other blogs as well. For me, we have several family b-days, plus there is Mother's Day, Memorial Day and Cinqo D'Mayo! There is the end of the school year activities and baseball heats up. Plus with spring solidly in place the call to be outside beckons us.

Which is all great, and family memories have been made, but it really sucks where blogging is concerned. I know you understand.

I have been loving my bike rides and have been exploring parts of the trails I haven't known about. I really need to find a bottle holder for my bike so i can carry my water bottle. And I can't wait til my hubby and son can get bikes and join me on my outings.

We took the Joe-boy to see Night of the Museum 2 yesterday. It was cute and he loved it, but for us adults it wasn't quite on par with the first one. We then went over to my brother's for a bar-b-q. My sis-in-law made yummy chicken shikabas.

On Sat the same sis in law and I went to the city farmers market. What fun! The booth that took my breath away was the gal who was selling peony blooms! She had hundreds of light pink and soft white peonies for sale. Did I mention that peonies are one of my top 5 fav flowers? I have had wonderful peony plants at a couple different homes we've had and I miss cutting bouquets of peonies every spring. Alas, I didn't buy any as I knew by the time we got home they'd be wilted. We had lots more shopping and fun. We checked out the Idaho Shakespeare Festival outdoor theatre. We are deciding which play we want to see together and when. And then we ended up at Barnes & Nobles to check out the latest mysteries and the sewing/crafting magazines. And of course, we didn't walk out empty handed.

Next up, the Joe-boy has 2 more weeks of school and then a half day of summer school for 6 or 7 weeks. There are more kids movies coming out and I'm sure we'll see a few of those. "Up" from Disney/Pixar looks especially delightful.

So what was your May like? And what does June hold for you and your family?

A New Bike for Moi

I have had on my wishlist a new bike to ride ever since we moved to Boise. Boise is one of those bike-friendly towns (it even has a sign that says so) that has bike paths all over the place. So when we moved here I just knew I wanted a bike. But being poor starving students, I knew that there were other more pressing needs. But recently we had a bit of a financial blessing come our way, and after spying a great deal at a local store, I decided the time had come. The hubster was all for it, esp since I think he has grown tired of hearing how much I want a bike. We picked it up and brought it home. I rode it around the parking lot a bit, but it wasn't til the next day that I was able to take it out on its maiden voyage. I crossed the street to the college, I wound around the students and other bikers and finally made it to the greenbelt. I tested the gear shifting, shook my long, glorious brown hair in the wind and was lifted to new heights of ecstacy! (how's that for exaggeration?) But seriously, it was great! I love biking and it felt so good to be back. I went farther up the trail than we have been on it by just walking. I stopped for a breather on the way back and forgot how sore my palms can get from pressing down on the handlebars. But I'm confident that my palms with toughen up even as I find time to ride longer and longer rides.

Now the hubster is talking about getting a bike for himself. And we still have on our wishlist our desire to get Joe his special needs bike that I can hook up behind mine. Maybe this will be the year of the bikes? Who knows!

School's Out!

Hey treasured readers---

Michael's last final was last night! Woo hoo!!! School is officially over for the next 3 months for the hubster. And because, the Joe boy isn't out of school for another few weeks, that meeans some "you & me" time for us together during the day. Yes, I have a honey-do list for the man, but I also have some fun date afternoons planned as well. All work and no play does not work in our house!

We still aren't sure what the summer holds. The hubster is still looking and applying for that elusive internship. The economic slump doesn't help. He would consider going to summer school, but the university isn't offering anything in his field that would be beneficial.

The Joe-boy does have morning summer school for 6 weeks. And it actually starts earlier than the regular school year--what's up with that??? I am so not into getting up early in the summer! But we will make up for that the last 6 weeks of summer by sleeping in as long as we want.

I would like to do some traveling this summer, but that is doubtful at this point. Maybe next summer .... We will definitely be spending a bit of time at the pool and lake and river, for sure. And I'm sure the library will see our faces every week.

So what's on your summer agenda? Any travel plans, or are you doing a stay-cation?

Til next time ...

Going Back to School Part 2

hello treasured readers,
thank you all that gave me such great encouragement to go for it! when I shared my interest in going back to school. It encouraged me to hear of your stories, your families stories and others that you knew that succeeded in going back to school.

Today I was able to tour the school and talk with the financial aide person, a wonderful woman named Lori. We hit it off right away, partly due to finding out that we are both Seattle transplants to Idaho. The school is called Oliver Findley and the 5 month program I'm looking into is ....

drumroll please ....

....

....

not yet ....

....

....

yes, i'm irritating this way! ....

....

A NAIL TECH!!!!!

If you want a manicure, a pedicure, or a set of acrylic nails I would be the one you would want to come to. I am really, REALLY excited about doing this! In fact if you could see and hear me, you'd see me squealing in my mind right about now.

What I found out today seems promising. The Pell grant would cover about 80% of the cost. So I would need to find another scholarship or get a student loan for about $700. There are 2 upcoming sessions, one in August and one in October. I'm trying to figure out what our summer will look like so I can make a decision whether the August start date is doable. Josiah doesn't go back to school til the last week of August, so that will impact my decision. Mike and I will be discussing this over the next few days and weeks. So I would appreciate your prayers as we make decisions. I hate making mistakes and will agonize over things for a long time, adding unnecessary anxiety to my life.

I'll keep you updated as time goes on. Until next time ....

Going Back to School?

If you are a regular reader here at Challenges and Adventures, you know that the hubster has been attending BSU. He will be graduating next spring with a degree in Supply Chain Management. (It's in the business dept) When we first moved up to Boise the idea of me going back to school came up. But going to the university full time didn't seem like the right fit for me or our family. But over the months, I have been mulling over another idea. Going to a trade school in order to learn a skill. Some positives are the shorter length of time in school, graduating with a skill that is marketable, and having a skill that allows me to work part time around my families schedule and needs.

I have been doing some research online and narrowed down the ideas to one skill I would really enjoy learning and working at. I called a school here in Boise and have a tour set up for next week to meet the financial aid woman and see the campus. I'm pretty sure that I would be able to get some financial aid of some sort, but I won't commit until I know that for sure. In the meantime, I've been thinking about how going back to school will impact our lives. I would be gone 8 hours 5 days a week. I would have 2 days to get my household chores caught up with, do any crafts, sewing and knitting, think up new blogs and catch up on the ones I like to read .... At times it seems overwhelming to have that much time committed to school. And yet, its only for 5 months. I can do almost anything for 5 months. Its worth it to improve our lives. And Michael is very supportive of this idea.

So how bout you? Would you go back to school mid-life? Do you know people who have done so and succeeded? Any tips on keeping up with all my other responsibilities while going to school?

Til next time ....

Debt Reduction

We are watching videos of Dave Ramsey at church. Yesterday he talked about gazelle like intensity in getting out of debt and recommended selling everything you could lay your hands on. So that got hubby and I thinking about what to sell. Before our move, we sold alot of furniture and downsized considerably. But it has crossed our mind more than once to sell our car. Our only car. Our only means of transportation. The only reason we could even consider this is that we live downtown Boise, close to most everything. Neither of us work outside the home, and Boise has a decent transit and is a bicycle friendly town.

The main drawbacks would be not being able to continue to go to our church and if I needed to go to Joe's school, that would be difficult, if not outright impossible. So tho, we talk about it I don't think we will follow through.

So how bout you? Would you sell your car to get out of debt? What have you sold to downsize your debt?

Cute Giveaway

Have you heard of Frugal Girls? Its a great frugal website that I have been visiting for a little while now. They have great giveaways, but this latest one is really exceptional. Thus my reason for posting about it. I'm not being altruistic, Cause I really don't want anyone else to win. I am getting my name entered one more time by blogging about it to you, my dear readers. Of course, if you insist, go ahead and check it out for yourself, but I'm warning you, I am going to win!

Frugal Girls is giving away what's called a Card Cubby where you can store biz cards, gift cards, even a small cell phone will fit. And the person who sells them has the cutest colors. Once you go over to Frugal Girls she has a link where you can see the Card Cubbies in all their glorious colors.

But remember, this one is mine to win!

So, what have you won lately?

Summer???

Today and yesterday we have been in the mid 80's. Spring lasted 2 days I think. Actually, tomorrow will be in the mid 50's so I think spring is coming back. I hear of other places in the country having snow, and California breaking record temps. I'm not sure about global warming/cooling or whatnot, but something strange seems to be happening.

But the longer I live, the more convinced I am that the Lord God Almighty is in control. I wanted to post another WFW, but my computer is still not quite right and I haven't reloaded my pictures onto the machine. And I kinda need pics in order to do WFW, ya know?

My cardio workouts have been going well. I walked 5x last week and am shooting for 5x again this week. Hubby has promised me a professional pedicure if I complete 4 weeks of cardio 5x each week, so I am extra motivated to make it happen.

I have also been making cards. Lots of Mothers Day cards that I'm sending to my sister for her to sell at her school. A few thank you cards and some b-day cards as well. The last few times I've worked on the cards, they have really fallen together. Love that!

Last night, we went to a nearby park. It was so pleasant, and crowded! Who knew all these people would have the same idea. Thankfully, it is a large park. Lots of places for the kiddos to play, lots of picnic tables with people having bar-b-q's and b-day parties. A "beach" volleyball game was in play when we got there, teens playing frisbee on the grass, the nearby tennis courts in full use. Bikers, walkers, and skateboarders were all around. Mike and I had time to chat and relax on the grass and Joe had fun going down the slides. I defintely recommend going to parks in the spring and summer. Esp when one lives in a crackerjack box of an apt.

Til next time ....

Have You Missed Me?

Remember me? Ya, I'm the one who took a bloggy break, and then promptly fell out of the blogging habit after coming back. Only 3 posts this month and its already the middle of the month. The 15th--smack dab middle!

But I have an excuse! And its a good one. I know you want to hear it too. Even if only to poo-poo it. I've been swallowed up by the sparkspeople site! Yes, its true. I have left my first love of blogging and found a new best friend! It's not you, oh no, never, it's me. Yes, its me you see. I'm now a sparks junkie. I spend many minutes a day checking in with the different teams I'm on, I record my fitness accomplishments (45 minutes on the treadmill today!! woo hoo!!!), track the amount of water I ingest, share with others how I'm feeling emotionally and whether I've avoided the M & M's that have been calling my name. They even give you points for things you do throughout the day. And you can take those points and redeem them for "goodies" for own page or give to someone else for their page. Oh those sparks people. They are tricky. They lure you in and pounce. And they know my weakness. They have set up their site so that I even have a blog on "my page". For the last two days, I have been writing all my good stuff on that blog! Oh the shame of leaving you, my treasured readers. So I had to come and confess.

I am ashamed, but I know I will be drawn back. Even now my email box is filling up with notices of new topics being discussed in my teams and people responding to my blog. Tho I know I cannot give up sparks, I will come back here often. I will continue to write on challenges and adventures. I will not be unfaithful forever ... Forgive my absence. And if you're brave enough, come visit me at sparkpeople.com you can find me under Gails Adventures.

Til next time ....

This n That

Wasn't Easter wonderful? As we were driving to church yesterday, I was thinking that we don't have to wait for one day a year to celebrate. We can celebrate Christ's resurrection every day! Aren't we a blessed people? I know I am.

Easter sunday at our house was great. Had a great service with awesome, inspiring, humbling worship, had a great meal afterwards that I didn't have to cook (thank you honey for taking us out), had a great, tho short nap, and had an awesome evening with the family, doing nothing much at all.

Last week I stumbled across a great site. I had seen it awhile back but this time i really looked it over. its called sparkpeople.com and is a fitness/diet/tracking/community site. I have jumped in with both feet. If you're already on, or signing up my nickname is gailsadventures. You can add me as a friend, join many, many groups/communities, give people gifts, track your progress and so much more. It is the inspiration and encouragement and accountability that I've needed.

This afternoon I'm going to a 30 minute walk and doing some weight training. What are you doing today?

Blessings on you, my treasured readers,
til next time ....

A New Normal

What is normal? for you, for your family? I've been thinking about "normal" alot lately. Our family is not normal. We are not your average run of the mill American family. But maybe I'm missing the point. Maybe there aren't as many "normal" families out there as I think there are. But I've been thinking alot about it, because I tend to look at other families and compare myself, our family, to theirs. I know, bad, bad, bad! I guess I compare myself because I want to be like them. What I see from the outside, the way it looks normal to me, looking at them.

But when I step back a moment, I remember that its ok to be who we are. Didn't God create us this way? Didn't He allow for a reason, for us to have the challenges and adventures that we have had? I am working on embracing who we are, whether it looks normal or not to others. And I'm working on accepting this way of life, this "normal to us" life we live.

I'm letting go of my expectations to be able to do certain things in life that maybe others do. If it doesn't work for our family, then I can let it go. And if something works for us, even tho it might seem strange to others I can accept that too. And go ahead and use it. My life doesn't have to look like yours or hers or theirs. I'm learning to be ok with that. Being a sheep, I would rather be like everyone else. But that isn't what God has called me to be. Not now, maybe not ever.

And just because I'm not like other wives, other mothers, other people, doesn't mean I'm less than, worse off; it just means I'm different. Different can be good.

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." Ps 121

April

DO YOU HAVE A LEAST FAVORITE MONTH?
I do. Its April.

I don't particularly like April Fools Day, and I really don't like tax day. Then there's the fact that most often April can be a rainy month. Especially when we lived in the Seattle area, rain was on the menu every day. Or so it seemed. This year in Boise we are having storm after storm flow through our beautiful valley and I'm not liking it, at all. I moved away from Seattle for a reason!

But if your word for the year is contentment than you'd better find something to enjoy about your least favorite month. And really, there is alot to enjoy about April.

Easter is coming. A wonderful time of year to be thankful for God's perfect gift for us. A reminder that we are loved and cherished by the King of the Universe. And that Christ died for our sins, so that we can stand clean before our Heavenly Father someday, hearing His welcoming words. Come my son/daughter, enter the Kingdom!

There are signs of spring as the forsythia is in bloom, daffodils, crocus' and tulips are sprouting and showing their glorious colors. The days are getting longer and are warming up the earth.

Life is resuming its rhythem. I enjoy rhythem. As much as I like to go on vacation or have something exciting to look forward to, the older I get the more I like the normal rhythem of life.

So how bout you? What are you enjoying about April?